How It All Began
MEHVA was founded in December of 1981 by a group of Metro employees interested in preserving a bit
of our region's history. Several 1940's vintage electric trolley buses had recently been retired
and were slated for scrapping. Work quickly got under way to select several representative buses
to be saved. MEHVA also established itself as a bona-fide organization and set up a working
relationship with the Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle (Metro).

Negotiations between Metro Transit and MEHVA concluded in mid 1984. The Metro Council, by
resolution, established a historic bus fleet and recognized MEHVA as the fleet's curator. This
resolution also set the criteria for future vehicle additions. Under this agreement, Metro would
own the buses in the historic fleet, providing coverage under it's fleet self insurance, storage,
and work space as it's available. MEHVA restores, maintains and operates the buses with unpaid
volunteer labor and provides parts not in Metro stock. Metro is reimbursed on a mileage basis for
electric power, fuel and tires.